Today Most Holy Father Pope Francis canonized Blessed Pope Paul VI!! This is hugely significant for all Secular Franciscans, as we follow what is called the “Pauline Rule”. Auspicato Concessum, (Sept. 17, 1882) Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical letter glorified St.Francis of Assisi on the occasion of the seventh centenary of his birth. In this encyclical, the Pope presented the Third Order of St. Francis as a Christian answer to the social problems of the times. The constitution Misericors Dei Filius (June 23, 1883) expressly recalled that the neglect in which Christian virtues are held is the main cause of the evils …

Dear faithful: I am sharing two letters I felt compelled to send to our Holy Father Pope Francis, and to our beloved Bishop, Peter Jugis of the Diocese of Charlotte. These letters are my own thoughts and do not reflect the Fraternity of Brother Francis nor the Secular Franciscan Order. I am merely sharing my humble attempts to do something in light of the grief and shock we are facing. Please my friends do not lose your Faith, Hope or Love…..our God will prevail. TRUST IN HIM!!!! If you would like to join in a letter campaign, the …

Saturday, August 11th – The Feast of St. Clare-Two Celebrations!!! The Fraternity of Brother Francis celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Profession for our minister, Carole Marmorato, OFS. August 8th was the actual anniversary and how fantastic it was to celebrate this achievement on The Feast of St. Clare. Also celebrated was the Mass of Permanent Profession to the Secular Franciscan Order for Paula Coleman, OFS. Paula is now the newest permanently professed member of the Fraternity of Brother Francis, Secular Franciscan Order. The day was filled with celebration and joy! Thanks be to God.

The Brother and Sister of St. Francis Region held their annual regional gathering this month in beautiful Ridgecrest Conference Center, Black Mountain NC. Carole, OFS Minister, Rita, OFS Formation Director and Paula, OFS Candidate attended. OF special note was the Memorial for our Departed Secular Franciscans, including William Borst, OFS from the Fraternity of Brother Francis, and Rita’s beloved husband. The lighting of Bill’s candle by Rita was such a beautiful moment of remembrance and hope in the joy to come.

June 24, 2018 is the 40th year anniversary of Blessed Pope Paul VI approval of the revised rule for the Secular Franciscan Order!!! So our jubilee year begins! CIOFS our international leaders have provided a wonderful video outlining the history of our order and how the Pauline rule came about. Enjoy! English: Spanish:

February 24th, 2018 Mr. Bernard Taft, OFS made his solemn profession to the Secular Franciscan Order! Bernie was joined in a Franciscan Mass of Profession presided over by Father Jim Collins of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Newton, NC. Bernie’s friends and Franciscan family were all present and the celebration continued afterward in the Holy Family Hall. Father Jim & Bernie

Did you know? The origin of the Christmas creche is attributed to the very holy man, St. Francis of Assisi. In the year 1223, St. Francis was visiting the town of Greccio, Italy built on a mountainside. St. Francis realized that the chapel of the Franciscan hermitage would be too small to hold the congregation for Midnight Mass. So he found a niche in the rock near the town square and set up the altar, one unlike anything every created before. According to St. Bonaventure (d. 1274) in his “Life of St. Francis of Assisi” : It happened in the …

The Fraternity of Brother Francis and Knights of Columbus celebrated a hot dog and treat feast for the little people parishioners of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Newton, NC. Angels and Saints abounded included a mini St. Francis of Assisi!

There are two opportunities for anyone willing to go to TX or FL to help feed hurricane victims. Woody Tucker, a member of the Hickory Soup Kitchen’s board, is looking for people to help with the Manna One Disaster Food RV in Florida (Sept. 28-Oct. 4th) and Texas (Oct. 3-9th). You go down on a bus with volunteers, stay in a Baptist church on a sleeping bag or cot (you bring), your meals are provided, and you work at the Manna One vehicle cooking and dispensing food and water. No home recovery yet. You do not need to …